Weekend Power Pack

The Weekend Power Pack Program meets the nutritional needs of children at risk of hunger during weekends. Through the program, kids are given special backpacks filled with nutritious foods. Common foods in a Weekend Power Pack include: proteins (tuna, beef stew, or peanut butter), fruits (canned or fresh), breakfast items (cereal or bars), snacks, and beverages (fruit juice and/or milk).

The backpacks are assembled by volunteers and delivered to a school partner each week. Normally, the packs are distributed on Thursday or Friday, with kids returning them on Wednesday of the following week.

The Food Bank's Weekend Power Pack Program was initiated in October 2005 providing packs for 30 children from one school. Today, the program supports over 4,100 kids every
week with more than 140,000 bags during the school year.

Teachers and schools have reported improvements in test scores, positive behavioral gains, decrease in number of unexcused absences and an increased recognition of potential career paths.

Want to help? Fill a backpack by shopping our Virtual Food Drive

Recognizing the important role that Bayer plays in America’s food production and their desire to be proactive in supporting the next generation of leaders whose families might need additional support in meeting their nutritional needs, Bayer USA Foundation awards an annual donation, which allows the Food Bank to purchase the food, as well as the backpacks and administer the program. Bayer USA Foundation has provided generous financial support for the program since 2006.

The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, tax ID # 56-1283426. This site best viewed in a modern browser. Please update to the latest version of IE.